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A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda

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Homeopathy & Ayurvedic Medicine

Review Article Open Access

A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda

Masram Pravin1*, VedikaAde2, Prasanth Dharmarajan3 and Mridul Ranajan3
1
Department of Kaumarbhritya, I.P.G.T. & R.A Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamangar, Gujarat, India
2
Department of Shalakya, I.P.G.T. & R.A Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamangar, Gujarat, India
3
Department of Panchakarma, I.P.G.T. & R.A Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamangar, Gujarat, India

Abstract
Even though dentistry was not a specialized branch of Ayurveda, it was included in ShalakyaTantra (one among the
eight branches in Ayurveda). Dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth,
gums, and related structures of the mouth and including the repair or replacement of defective teeth was explained.
Ancient scholars Charaka and Sushruta has not given complete information regarding dentation, but Vagbhata gives
useful information about dentation and dental problems, including dentational disorder and its treatment. Acharya
Kashyapa is the pioneer of this field. He gives more informative data about formation of teeth, milk tooth and permanent
tooth. He also described the dental problems and dentational disorders in detail. Kashyapa enumerates the types of teeth
(Rajadanta, Vasta, Damstra, and Hanavya.) along with number of milk and permanent tooth as 20 and 32 respectively.
Few other authors also give some descriptive material about dentistry but not enough to gives elaborate descriptions.
In this article a collection of data regarding dentistry from all Samhitas are done to give a detailed description as per
ancient and modern parallels about dentistry. This article also highlights the review about formation of teeth, dental
problems and dental care, with scientific analysis of the Ayurveda dental health and its incorporation into modern dental
care.

Keywords: Dentistry; Dentation; Type of teeth And Dental Care-
Ayurveda
Introduction
Dentation is natural phenomenon beginning from infancy and
teeth play an important role in life. Ayurveda is a holistic system of
medicine which evolved in India some around 5000 years ago, a system
of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent, now practiced
in other parts of the world as a form of complementary medicine [1].
The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the
Vedic period in India. The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita
are its earliest authoritative texts. Even though dentistry was not a
specialized branch of Ayurveda, it was included in ShalakyaTantra
(Branch of Ayurveda concerned with all the disorders occurring above
shoulders). In ancient India, problems such as deformities of the oral
cavity, plaques and infections could be managed and even cured.
In Ayurvedic texts, Charaka and Sushruta have not given any
specific description of dentation, however Sushruta has described
fifteen Dantamula (gum) disorder and eight dentational diseases [2].
Vagbhata also have mentioned Danta Roga (Diseases of teeth) and
Dantmamsa Roga (Disease of gums) [3]. All these diseases are not
specific for childhood but it can occur at any age of man’s life period.
Kashapya is the pioneer in this field; different aspects of dentation are
dealt in Kashapya Samhita in separate chapter ‘Dantajanmika’.
Materials and Methods
The materials were collected from the classical Ayurvedic literature,
Ayurvedic pediatrics books, magazines and research journals as well as
PUBMED, MEDLINE database were used for the search of relevant
literature and research papers.
Dantotpatti Prakriya (Physiology of teeth eruption)
This is has been clearly mentioned by Vagbhata. Teeth originated
from Ashti (Bone) and Majja (Bone marrow) Dhatu. Since they are of
Dantotpatti Kala (Period of dentation)
According to Vagbhata, in a child who may possess long life the
tooth eruption will start by eighth month or later, whereas in child who
has lesser longevity of life, tooth eruption may start as earlier by fourth
month. If tooth eruption occurs even at lesser age due to intolerable
pain the child will not achieve complete Dhatu development [5]. Alike
Vagbhata, Kashapya also mentioned the feature of tooth eruption
with various signs and symptoms in between fourth to eighth month
attributing specific signs and symptoms according various months. The
teeth inseminated in the fourth month are weak, decay early and will
be afflicted with so many diseases, the one which erupts in fifth month
are shaky, with morbid sensitivity and get easily afflicted with various
diseases, the one that erupts by the sixth month are inverted, dirty,
discolored and susceptible to dental carries where as one that erupts
in seventh month are with two pocket, spilt, stripped, broken, dry,
irregular and protuberant. If the tooth erupts by eighth month these
are with best qualities [6] Kashyapa had following concepts regarding
dentation [7].
• Total teeth are 32 in number, out of which eight are ‘Sakrijjata’
(appears only once in life remain in same form) and remaining
are ‘Dwija’ (that which has a rebirth).
• Milk (deciduous teeth) erupts in the same month’s
corresponding the months of intra uterine life in which the
formation begin. The months in which the child cuts its teeth’s,
*Corresponding author: Masram Pravin, PhD. Scholar, Department of
Kaumarbhritya, I.P.G.T. & R.A Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamangar, Gujarat,
India, Tel: +91 0288-2552014; E-mail: pravinmasram15@gmail.com
Received November 16, 2014; Accepted December 15, 2014; Published January
02, 2015
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical
Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv Med 3: 175.
doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175

incomplete strength during first four month of life, these teeth fall off Copyright: © 2015 Pravin M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under
and new teeth erupt. Again, there is no re eruption of new teeth in aged the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and
because of the inadequacy of these Dhatus [4]. source are credited.

J Homeop Ayurv Med Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175

ISSN: 2167-1206 JHAM, an open access journal
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175

Page 2 of 7

corresponds to the year in which temporary tooth fall and
permanent teeth begins to grow.
• Names of various teeth have been given by Kashapya. These
are: Rajadanta, Vasta, Damstra, and Hanavya. The middle two
teeth are Rajadanta (incisor) and are considered sacred. Teeth
by the side of Rajadanta are called Vasta (canines) and other
teeth by the side of it are called Damstra (pre-molar). The rest
are called Hanavya (molar) and named because are helpful in
mastication.
• Teeth are erupted earlier in female than in male, because their
teeth are distant and soft, while stronger in male. Girls feel
fewer problems than boys during teeth eruption.
• Formation, eruption, growth and development, fall, strength
and weakness all depends on certain factors like, race, nature,
maternal and paternal factors (hereditary) and acts of past life.
Vagbhata nation regarding eruption and fall of tooth is similar to
Kashyapa. He also opines that cutting of each teeth starts usually before
the age of eight months [8].
Time of eruption and shedding of primary teeth’s and eruption
of permanent teeth, as accepted by modern anatomist and dentists is
mentioned in the following (Figures 1 and 2)
Formation and eruption of teeth
In Kashapya Samhita ‘Dantajanmika’ Chapter there is a clue

Time of eruption and of primary teeth and permanent teeth [9]

Figure 1: Permanent Teeth Eruption.

Figure 2: Primary Teeth Eruption Chart.

J Homeop Ayurv Med Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175

ISSN: 2167-1206 JHAM, an open access journal
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
regarding the description related to origin teeth. According to it,
during intra uterine life, some amount of blood is collected in the pits
of teeth, this blood by further development take the shape of teeth
[9,10] The teeth do not appears again, if broken down by an injury or
fallen due to any disease. Vagbhata has given very reasonable answer to
it and explained that by the injury, the Dhatubija (seeds), responsible
for the development of the teeth are destroyed. The nutrition of teeth
is also hampered due to injury of blood vessels. The Dhatubija (seeds)
and blood vessels cannot re originate, hence, development of teeth is
affected [11].
The concept of Vagbhata regarding genesis of teeth is more nearer
to the current science. He opines that Dhatubija (seeds) is basically
responsible for further development of tooth. Dhatubija (seeds) can
be very well considered as tooth buds, localized proliferation of cells
in the dental lamina [12]. These buds, which grow into mesenchyme,
develop into the deciduous teeth. The first indication of development
appears early in the 6th week. The tooth buds for the permanent teeth
with deciduous predecessors begin to appear at about ten fetal weeks,
from continuation of the dental lamina, and they lie lingual to the
deciduous tooth buds. The permanent molar which has no deciduous
predecessors develops buds from backward extension of the dental
lamina. Tooth development is a continuous process, but it is usually
divided into stages bud, cap and bell stages.
Danta Prakara (Types of dentation)
Kashapya has mentioned four typed of dentation [13].
• Samudga
• Samvrita
• Vivrita
• DantaSampata
Samudga: Samudga means a joint with socket, like a cup. These
types of teeth develop in the condition of Kshaya (malnutrition) of
child. These teeth may fall very frequently.
Samvrita: These are inauspicious and remain dirty.
Vivrita: These types of teeth, cause excessive salivation, because
these are not fully covered with lips, there are of many chances causing
diseases of teeth.
Danta Sampata: These are auspicious teeth having all the
characteristics of healthy teeth.
Time of eruption of teeth and its effects
Kashyapa narrate that if eruption of teeth takes place before the
age of 8th month, there are always chances of complication in teeth.
Complication of teeth that may appear in various months, are as
follows [14], (Table 1).
Vagbhata is also of similar opinion that 8th month is appropriate
for eruption of teeth in a healthy child. Children in which teeth erupts
before the age of 8th months, He has pointed out another fact that due
to excessive pain, causes defective maturation of Dhatui-Bija [15].
Vangasena has different concepts regarding the effects of early
dentation. According to him, family members of the child are affected,
if dentation occurs before the age of 8th months. The child, who has
tooth eruption ranging from one to seventh month of age, is considered
to be inauspicious for father, mother, siblings and all family members
including servant and teacher etc. [16].
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There is no any specific cause of premature eruption of teeth which
is mentioned in modern literature. However, few have considered that
endocrine factors may be involved because premature eruption of
teeth sometimes occurs in infant with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Concepts of ancient scholars have favored this cause of premature
eruption of teeth, which is clear from following points. Vangasena was
more nearer to modern view point because he states the inauspicious
effects of premature tooth eruption among family members. If the
cause of early dentation is considered congenital adrenal hyperplasia,
then the claim of Vangasena become true since this defect is inherited
as an autosomal recessive trait, therefore, can affect other family
members too.
Infant born with teeth (Sadanta shisu)
Sadanta Shisu means a child born with teeth. In Ancient period,
such children were considered inauspicious. Vagbhata has described
that in Sandanta Shisu, if erupted tooth is in upper jaw, it is inauspious.
Vagbhata has mentioned a procedure to pass off the bad effect of a child
born with teeth. For this purpose Laja (Parched paddy) and honey is
filled in the month of calf and his face is turned toward east. Now child
is said to kiss the mouth of calf, three times. Besides this the child is
carried on the boat or elephant, after giving a proper bath. Payasa (Rice
cooked in milk and mixed with honey and Grita) should be offered to
Brahmins. Naigmesha Graha (Type of foreign body whose ill effect can
cause infection) is also worshipped for this purpose.
Modern literature considered that presence of teeth at birth may be
part of the normal dentation. These teeth are termed as ‘Natal Teeth’
and observed in approximately one in 2000 newborn infant, usually
they are two on the mandibles commonly central incisors. Their
attachment is generally limited to the gingival margin, with little root
formation or bony supports. Such teeth should not be considered super
numeracy unless this is established roentgen graphically. Natal teeth
may be prematurely erupted primary teeth which suggest that early
dental eruption may be expected. Vangasena is very right in his view
that the infants having natal teeth is very dangerous to the mother,
because they may produce maternal discomfort due to the abrasion or
biting of the nipple during feeding. Presence of natal teeth may also be
due to congenital syphilis. Mother suffering from syphilis may transmit
her disease to his baby developing in the womb.
Anodentia
Vagbhata has mentioned the physiopathology of agenesis of
teeth. He opines that the Vayu, situated in gums gets vitiated, either
itself or with the help of Pitta, dries up Asthi (bone) and Majja (bone
marrow). Because Asthi and Majja are chief component of teeth,
therefore by drying these, there is no eruption of teeth [17]. Vangasena
has considered that only Vayu is responsible for drying the gums
(Dantavesta) and ultimately for agenesis of teeth. Seat of this Vayu is
root of teeth [18].
By drying Bija of Dhatus (Asthi and Majja), there is absence of
tooth buds. Total Anodentia often occurs with ectodermal dysplasia.
Partial Anodentia result when a normal site of initiation is disturbed,
Period Effect
4th month Weak, fall very easily and diseased
5th month Loose and diseased
6th month Defective in shape, dirty, discolored and affected with caries
7th month Cracked having lines , broken dry and forwardly protruding
8th month Have all the qualities of a healthy tooth
Table 1: Period of tooth eruption and their effects.
Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
as in the area of palatal cleft, or form genetic failure to code of the
formation of specific teeth. The third molar, maxillary lateral incisor
and mandibular second premolar are the teeth that most common ones
which fail to form.
Ayurvedic procedure for easy dentition
Vagbhata (A.H) mentioned the following recipes for easy and
painless eruption of teeth [19].
• Powder of Pippli (Piper longum Linn.) or Dhataki Pushpa
(flowers of Woodfordia frutiosa Kurz.) and Amalaki (Emblica
officinals Gaertn) fruits with honey should be rubbed on gums,
for easy dentation.
• Application of dry flesh (Mamsa) of certain birds like Batera
(Pleasant) and Titir (Partidge) with honey helps appearance
of teeth and mouth appears with, teeth like lotus(Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn) with pollen.
• Use of Ghrita medicated with Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.),
Brihati (both Solanum indicum Linn. And Solanum surattense
Burm.f.), Patha (Cissampelos pareira Linn.), Kutaki (Picrorhiza
kurroa Royle ex Benth), Ativisa (Aconitum heterophylum Wall.),
Motha (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) and drugs of Jivaniyagana
(Nutrient decoctives).
YogRatnakar [20] and Vangsena [21] have mentioned similar
recipe as mentioned by Vagbhata.
Qualities of healthy teeth and gums (PrasastaDanta and
Dantabandhana), defective teeth (AprasastaDanta)
Kashyapa has mentioned that healthy teeth should be complete,
white, unctuous, smooth, and clean and disease- free with a slight
protuberance of upper ones. It should also have evenness, redness,
unctuousness and completeness of gums with big, compact and
stableness of root. He also mentioned the features of defective
dentation. The main features are less or more in number white or black
in color with undivided gum [22].
Dentational Disorders and its Pathogenesis
Even the eruption of teeth may also be the cause for many
diseases in children, specially such as fever, diarrhea, cough, vomiting,
headache, Abhshandya (conjectivitis), Pothaki (Pustule on eyelid/style)
and Visarpa (herpes) [23]. Asthi and Majja Dhatus on maturation
reach to Dantasaya (Tooth socket of jaws and gums) and produce some
irritation. The child will feel itching sensation on gums (Due to Kapha
situated in gums) So, he may bite the breast during sucking , Whatever
articles, the child find he bites and presses it against gums to relieve
itching and pain. Vitiated Vayu, in association of Kapha reaches to
Asthi and Majja and spread in whole body, at the same time. Vayu itself
or with the help of Pitta, vitiates other Dhatus and Malas (Excretory
material) and produces various complications during dentation [24].
As the teeth penetrate the gums, inflammation and sensitivity
sometimes occurs, a condition referred to as teething. The child may
become irritable and salivation may increase markedly. Bacterial
invasion through break in the tissue or under a gingival flap, covering
the teeth, may be responsible. A blunt, firm object for the infant to bite
usually provides some relief; incision of the gums in seldom indicated.
There is no definite evidence to support claim of accompanying
temporary systemic disturbance, such as low grade fever, facial rashes
and mild diarrhea. However, there may be one possibility that during
dentation, due to irritation of gums, children use to bite any object
J Homeop Ayurv Med
ISSN: 2167-1206 JHAM, an open access journal
Page 4 of 7
they find. These objects may be dirty and possibly can transfer various
micro-organisms responsible for respiratory, gastro-intestinal and
other disorder.
Treatment
In disease caused by the eruption of teeth the child should not
be restrained too much (regarding food and other activities) disease
caused by eruption of teeth subside even by their own accord after the
teeth erupt [25].
General treatment
Ghrita medicated with decoction of Mangistha (Rubia cordifolia
Linn.), Dhataki pushpa (Flowers of Woodfordia frutiosa Kurz.),
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa Roxb.), Kutannata (Oroxylum indicum
Vent.), Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.), Atibala (Abutilon indicum Linn.),
Mahasaha (Salparni)(Desmodium gangeticum DC.), Ksudrasaha
(Mashaparni)(Teramnus labialis Spreng.), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus
trilobus Ait.), Bilva (unripped) (Aegle marmelos Corr.), fruits of
Karpasa (Gossypium herbaccum Linn.), added with milk and Mastu
(water of curd) relieves all general complication of dentation [26].
Vagbhata, after describing this recipe, mentioned that this recipe
is described by Vriddha Kashapya, however, in Kashapya Samhita
there is no description of this recipe. Therefore, it may be possible
that Kashapya Samhita, available during the period of Vagbhata might
be containing that recipe, which has been missed later on in present
available Kashapya Samhita. This recipe is also mentioned in Asthanga
Hridaya [27].
Treatment of individual ailments during dentation
It is only Vagbhata [28] who has mentioned detailed description,
in his texts Astanga Samgraha regarding management of different
disorder appearing during dentation.
Treatment of fever
• Decoction made with Devadaru (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.)
Loud.), Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.), Madhuyasthi
(Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), Majistha (Rubia cordifolia Linn.)
and sugar-candy cures Vatika fever.
• Decoction of Bhadradaru (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.)Loud.),
Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.), Madhuyasthi (Glycyrrhiza
glabra Linn.) Vidari (Pueraria tuberose DC.), Salaparni
(Desmodium gangeticum DC.), Prasnaparni (Uraria picta
Desv.)And Satavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) or Ghrita
medicated with these drugs cure Vatika Jwara (fever) .This
Ghrita may also be used for massage.
• Oils medicated with Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.), Kustha
(Saussurea lappa C.B.Clarke), Vacha (Acorus calamus
Linn.), Satapuspa (Anethum sowa Kurtz.), Herenu (Vitex
negundo Linn.), Bharangi (Eclipta Alba Hassk.), Ela (Elettaria
cardamomum Maton.), Susavi (Kalaunji (Nigella sativa Linn.),
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata C.B.Clarke), Punarnava, Tagara
(Valeriana wallichii DC.), and Sarsapa (Brassica campestris
Linn. Var. Sarson Prain) should be used for massage.
Treatment of diarrhea, thirst and vomiting
• Pittaj Jwara and Atisara may be cured by the use of powder of
Laja (Parched paddy), Nilakamala (Nymphaea stellata Willd),
Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Yasti (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.),
Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
Rasanjana (extract of Berberis aristata DC.) and sugar with
honey.
• Use of decoction of Laja, Pippali (Piper longum Linn.),
Gajapippali (Piper chaba Hunter) with sugar and honey will
cure fever, Atisara (Diarrhea), thirst and vomiting.
• To get relief from Amatisara (Diarrhea with mucus) or
Raktatisara ((Diarrhea with blood), the powder of Gajapippali
(Piper chaba Hunter) with sugar or powder of Devadaru
(Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Loud.) With sugar should be used.
• Thirst may be relieved by giving boiled and cooled water,
medicated with the powder of Indrayava (seeds of Holarrhena
antidysenterica (Linn.) Wall) and Dadima (Punica granatam
Linn.).
• Powder of Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.), Rasanjana
(extract of Berberis aristata DC.) and musta (Cyperus rotundus
Linn.) with water of rice and honey is issued to get relief from
thirst, diarrhea and vomiting.
Headache
• Anointment of cold Ghrita relieves headache.
• Past of leaves of Kapittha (Feronia limonia Linn.) Changeri
(Oxalis carniculata Linn.), Plum (Prunus domestica Linn) and
Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum Linn.) applied to forehead cures
headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Complication of eyes
• Kukunaka and Pothaki disease should be treated separately;
Vagbhata has mentioned only general management of
complication of eyes, appearing during dentation.
• Application (in eyes) of a wick prepared with the pieces Pippali
(Piper longum Linn.), Munja (Saccharum munja Roxb.),
and Buds of Jasmines (Jasminum officinale Linn. Forma.
Grandiflorum. (Linn.) Kobuski.), Barley (Hordeum vulgare
Linn) and leaves of Nilakamala (Nymphaea stellata Willd)
(each 100 in number) cures general complication of eyes.
Fever, diarrhea, cough, anemia (Pandu) and disorders caused by
mother (Matrajanya Dosha)
• Powder of Patola (Trihosanthes dioica Roxb.), Nimba
(Azadirachta indica A. Juss), Kutaja (Holarrhena
antidysenterica (Linn.) Wall.), Saptaparna (Alstonia Scholaris
R.Br.), Ajmoda (Carum Roxburghianum (DC) Craib.),
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.)Loud.), Vidanga (Embelia
ribes Burm.f.), Sarala (Pinus roxburghii Sargent.) with honey
and Ghrita, is used to cure fever, diarrhea, cough, anemia and
disorder caused by mother.
Fever (Kaphaja) and skin disorder (Visarpa)
• The massage of oil made with the Sobhanjana (Moringa oleifera
Lam.), past made of Rasana (Pluchea lanceolata C.B.Clarke),
Ela (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.), Tagara (Valeriana
wallichii DC.), Agnimantha (sweet) (Premna mucronata
Roxb.), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.)Loud.), Bilva (Aegle
marmelos Corr.), Kushta (Saussurea lappa C.B.Clarke), Varuna
(Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham.), Harenu (Vitex negundo Linn.),
Satpushpa (Anethum sowa Kurtz.) cures fever.
• Rounded eruption, appearing due to vitiation of Kapha, can be
cured by application of ghrta, mixed with urine of elephant.
J Homeop Ayurv Med
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Diet during dentation: For better dentation, Vagbhata has
prescribed that the child should be providing milk and other Laghu
(light to digest) and Brumhana (Nourishing) diet. Milk should not be
discontinued suddenly from the diet of children.
Milk is the best source of calcium. The requirement of calcium is
increased during dentation. Thus, the milk can fulfill requirement of
calcium.
Ayurveda and oro-dental health (Dental care): In Ayurveda, dental
health (Danta Swasthya in Sanskrit) is held to be very individualistic,
varying with each person’s constitution (Prakriti), and climatic changes
resulting from solar, lunar and planetary influences (Kala-Parinama).
The body constitution is classified based on the predominance of one
or more of the three Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The dominance
Dosha in both the individual and nature determines health care in
Ayurveda, including dental health [29].
Chewing sticks
Ayurveda recommends chewing sticks in the morning as well as
after every meal to prevent diseases. Ayurveda insists on the use of
herbal brushes, approximately twelve Angulas (9 inches) long and
the thickness of one’s little finger. These herb sticks should be either
‘Kashaya’ (astringent), ‘Katu (acrid), or ‘Tikta’ (bitter) in taste. The
method of use is to crush one end, chew it, and eat it slowly [30].
It is recommended that chewing sticks be obtained from fresh
stems of specific plants. The Neem (Margosa or Azadirachta indica A.
Juss) is a famous herbal chewing stick. The stems should be healthy,
soft, without leaves or knots and taken from a healthy tree. Chewing on
these stems is believed to cause attrition and leveling of biting surfaces,
facilitate salivary secretion and, possibly, help in plaque control,
while some stems have an anti-bacterial action. With reference to the
individual’s constitution and dominant Dosha, it is stated that people
with the Vata Dosha dominance may develop atrophic and receding
gums, and are recommended to use chewing sticks with bitter-sweet or
astringent tastes, such as liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn) and black
catechu or the cutch tree (Acacia Catechu Willd.), respectively [31].
Pitta Dosha dominant individuals are recommended to use chewing
sticks with a bitter taste such as the twigs from the margosa tree
(Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and the Arjuna tree (Terminalia Arjuna
(Roxb.) W & A) Those with the Kapha Dosha dominant are likely to
have pale and hypertrophic gums and are asked to use chewing sticks
with a pungent taste, citing the fever nut (Caesalipinia crista Linn.)
and the common milkweed plant (Calotropis procera (Ait)R.Br.) [32].
Present-day research has shown that all the chewing sticks described
in ancient Ayurveda texts (circa 200 BC) have medicinal and anti-
cariogenic properties [33].
Oil pulling
Oil pulling, is a procedure that involves swishing oil in the mouth
for oral and systemic health benefits. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic
text Charaka Samhita where it is called Gandusha [34] Oil pulling has
been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many
years to prevent decay, pyorrhea, gingivitis, odontitis, golossitis,
diphtheria, stomatitis, bleeding gums [35], Oil pulling therapy can
be done using oils like sunflower oil or sesame oil. Oil pulling is a
powerful detoxifying Ayurvedic technique that has recently become
very popular as Ayurvedic remedy for many different health ailments.
Using this method, surgery or medication could be prevented for a
number of chronic illnesses. The oil therapy is preventative as well as
curative. The exciting aspect of this healing method is its simplicity.
Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
Ayurveda advises oil gargling to purify the entire system; as it holds
that each section of the tongue is connected to different organ such as
to the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestines, stomach, colon, and
spine [36].
Discussion and Conclusions
Even though Dentistry in Ayurveda is not a separate branch, it
is very well elaborated and explained under the branch of Shalakya
tantra. Various ancient seers have put forward their valuable
suggestions and finding which can contemplate too many current
day scientific explanations and dental practices. Basically the teeth
originated from Ashti (Bone) and Majja (Bone marrow) Dhatu.
Tooth eruption occurring even at lesser age with intolerable pain in
the child may be due to incomplete dhatu development. Vagbhata and
Kashyapa mentioned the features of tooth eruption with various signs
and symptoms in between fourth to eight month and which are weak
and may be afflicted with so many diseases etc. Total teeth are 32 in
number and names of various teeth have been given by Kashapya. The
middle two teeth are Rajadanta (incisors) and are considered sacred.
Teeth by the side of Rajadanta are called Vasta (canines) and other
teeth by the side of it are called Damstra (pre-molar). The rest are
called Hanavya (molar) and named because are helpful in mastication.
Formation, eruption, growth and development, fall, their strength and
weakness all depends on certain factors like race, nature, maternal and
paternal factors (hereditary) and acts of past life. Time of eruption and
shedding of primary teeth’s and eruption of permanent teeth given
Vagbhata and Kashapya is similar as modern anatomist and dentists.
The concept of Vagbhata regarding genesis of teeth is more precise to
the current science. He opines that Dhatubija is basically responsible
for further development of tooth. Tooth development is a continuous
process, but it is usually divided into stages bud, cap and bell stages.
Complication of tooth appearing in different months is described by
Kashyapa and he told eruption of teeth in 8th month will have all the
qualities of a healthy tooth. Sadanta Shisu means a child born with
teeth. Modern literature considered that presence of teeth at birth
may be part of the normal dentation these teeth are termed as ‘Natal
Teeth’ and observed in approximately one in 2000 newborn infants.
Presence of natal teeth may also be due to congenital syphilis. Infants
having natal teeth produce maternal discomfort due to the abrasion or
biting of the nipple during feeding quoted by Vangasena. Anodentia is
also described by Vagbhata he opines that the Vayu, situated in gums
gets vitiated, either by itself or with the help of Pitta, dries up Asthi
and Majja. Because Asthi and Majja are chief component of teeth,
therefore, by drying these, there is no eruption of teeth. Vangasena has
considered that only Vayu is responsible for drying the gums. Vagbhata
(A.H) mentioned the recipes for easy and painless eruption of teeth
(detail as above); similarly Yogratnakar and Vangasena also described
these recipes. Kashyapa has mentioned that healthy teeth will have
completeness, whiteness, unctuousness, smoothness, cleanliness, in a
disease- Free State with a slight protuberance of upper ones. Evenness,
redness, unctuousness and completeness of gums with big, compact
and stableness of root are the best qualities of teeth. Even the eruption
of teeth also becomes a cause for few diseases in children alike fever,
diarrhea, cough, vomiting, headache, Abhishandya (conjectivitis)
Pothaki (pustle on eyelid/stye) and Visarpa (herpes).In those diseases
caused by the eruption of teeth they may subside even by their own
accord after the tooth erupt, but a general treatment was given to
child according to disease. Ayurveda recommends chewing sticks
in the morning as well as after every meal to prevent diseases. These
herb sticks should be astringent, acrid, or bitter in taste, used to crush
J Homeop Ayurv Med
ISSN: 2167-1206 JHAM, an open access journal
Page 6 of 7
one end, chew it, and eat it slowly. It is recommended that chewing
sticks be obtained from fresh stems of specific plants. Chewing on
these stems is believed to cause attrition and leveling of biting surfaces,
facilitate salivary secretion and, possibly, help in plaque control. Also
there is explanation about oil pulling as a preventive oral care which is
commonly mentioned among Ayurvedic classics, which are proved to
be very scientific among current researches.
From the study it could be concluded that Kashapya Samhita gives
the detailed description on various aspects of dentation and tooth
eruption. Its description is very nearer to modern parallels, Vagbhata
has also given some valuable information to subjects like, development
of teeth, pathogenesis and management of various ailments appearing
during tooth erruption. Vangasena has also given few ideas related to
same; however contribution of other ancient scholars in the subject
is nominal. Ayurvedic aspect of dental care is very useful in present
life, both in preventive and curative aspects on a natural herbal basis.
Ancient ideas on tooth eruption and its influence according to various
months are subjects that have to be thoroughly researched for more
scientific knowledge. Types of teeth and significance of them along with
non-occurrence of teeth are all valuable information that is explained
in Ayurvedic classics. Ayurveda provides a lot of information in
preventive oral care too, Chewing a medicinal stick is near to brushing
teeth, because it is healthy and benefits from prevention of oral diseases
in comparison to chemical tooth pasted that we use twice a day. Oil
pulling is an Ayurvedic technique that has recently become very
popular as an Ayurvedic remedy for many different health ailments.
Even though a detail and elaborate description is there in Ayurveda
regarding the various dental, gum and other oral cavity disorders and
its specific treatment, in the current review the authors have tried
to collect maximum information regarding the tooth eruption and
disorders associated with it in early childhood highlighting certain
preventive aspects of Ayurvedic dental care in accordance with modern
parallel science to bring in scientific basis of ancient explanations.
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Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000175
Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv
Med 3: 175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
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Citation: Pravin M, VedikaAde, Dharmarajan P, Ranajan M (2015) A Critical
Analysis of Dentation and Dental Care in Ayurveda. J Homeop Ayurv Med 3:
175. doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000175
J Homeop Ayurv Med
ISSN: 2167-1206 JHAM, an open access journal
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